The beheading of the seven captives in Sulu once again demonstrates the Abu Sayyaf's ruthlessness and only strengthens our resolve to neutralize them.

Abu Sayyaf's acts of terror will not go unpunished.

Our troops are committed to the singular objective of obliteration, while keeping civilians out of danger zones.

This is a matter that involves our country's internal security.

BOAO, China -- The Philippines gained yet another international recognition even before this year’s Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) could officially start here Saturday when former President Fidel V. Ramos was reelected Thursday to a fresh three-year term as chairman of the annual conference in this scenic seaside town off Hainan province.

Ramos, who has served in the same post for the past five years, expressed confidence that the Philippines’ active participation in the organization that counts world leaders, prominent businessmen and noted economists among its roster of attendees yearly, would be for the best interest of the country as it pushes for the establishment of an Asia-wide free trade area.

"Aside from its main objective of integrating Asia in the global arena, this forum also serves as a mechanism to enhance peace and security in the region," he said in an interview at the posh Sofitel Hotel where most of the delegates will be billeted.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is among the prominent personalities invited to the forum this year, is expected to arrive here early Saturday morning via a chartered Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight from Manila.

She will be among the keynote speakers who also include Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, and Nobel Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus. They are expected to discuss the emerging opportunities and accompanying challenges facing Asia now and in the future.

Ramos said the Philippines, being one of the 28 charter-member countries, is poised to take advantage of the globalization of the entire region because of the Filipinos’ proficiency in the English language which, he pointed out, is the language of international business.

"During President Arroyo’s visit here last year, she offered the country’s help in training Chinese to speak English which will be mutually beneficial to both countries," Ramos explained.

President Arroyo’s participation in this year’s forum is expected to further enhance the country’s role as a major political and economic player in the region, according to Ramos.

"I’m happy she’s coming here," he said. "Very important decisions are expected to come out of this forum considering that China is a major driver of economic growth in Asia, having replaced Japan."

The former President cited China's aggressive push for socio-cultural, economic and educational programs in the region which counts a third of the world’s population.

Ramos said he expects President Arroyo to go on with her cancelled visits to four Chinese provinces after the May elections in the Philippines.

"Once again, it will be to the best interest of the country, if she will push through with it," he said.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered today government troops to work on neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf Group terrorists as she condemned the beheading of the group’s seven captives in Sulu this week.

In a statement, the President said the "Abu Sayyaf’s acts of terror will not go unpunished" and that the government would deal with it as an internal security matter.

"The beheading of the seven captives in Sulu once again demonstrates the Abu Sayyaf’s ruthlessness and only strengthens our resolve to neutralize them," the President said.

"Our troops are committed to the singular objective of obliteration, while keeping civilians out of danger zones," she stressed.

The President also reiterated that the country’ record in the fight against terrorism and terror acts is clear: "The Philippines has zero tolerance for terrorists, within and even beyond our borders."

Reports said the seven beheaded captives—six workers on a road project and one in a dried fish factory -- were snatched at gunpoint on Monday in two separate incidents. The Abu Sayyaf had demanded P5 million ransom for their release.

Believing that peace and security are essential factors in economic prosperity, and that terror acts are a direct threat to it (economic prosperity), the Philippines has led other nations in the region and even in the world in the fight against terrorism.

In fact, it spearheaded the creation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s Anti-Terrorism Task Force with retired Gen. Benjamin Defensor as chair, in a move to secure the Asia-Pacific region from terrorist acts.

During the 12^th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit hosted by the Philippines in Cebu in January, the ASEAN leaders, through the able chairmanship of the Philippines, adopted the ASEAN Convention on Terrorism which calls for greater cooperation among member- nations in the fight against all acts of terror.

BOAO, China -- Deals amounting to close to $2 billion in Chinese investments in the Philippines are expected to be signed during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s short and abbreviated attendance at the 2007 Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) which kicked off Friday in this scenic coastal town off China’s southernmost province of Hainan.

The President, who is due to arrive at the nearby Haikou International Airport via chartered Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight from Manila early Saturday morning, will highlight her 12-hour stay here by witnessing the signing of four landmark agreements in education, telecommunications, agriculture and energy. Government officials, led by Trade Secretary Peter Favila and Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, will represent the country in the agreements.

Former President and newly reelected BFA Chairman Fidel V. Ramos will welcome President Arroyo upon her arrival at the International Convention Center (ICC) here, minutes before the official opening and welcome rites for dignitaries attending the three-day conclave where the President is one of the speakers at the plenary session.

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, will call on the President at the ICC after the plenary session.

This will be followed by the President’s bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Chaukat Aziz of Pakistan in the same venue.

The top honcho of United Parcel Service (UPS), the world’s biggest delivery firm, will also call on President Arroyo shortly before lunch at the ICC.

During our visit to China, which begins tonight, we look forward to witnessing a number of economic agreements  that will create new jobs for Filipinos and support infrastructure development to raise the competitiveness of our country.

These commitments are testament to the progress we have made in enhancing our economic environment and the confidence of the international community in our country and economy.   

As President of the Philippines and Chair of ASEAN, I am also delighted at the opportunity to join some of the world’s business and government leaders at the Boao Forum in Hainan to engage in a meaningful dialogue about Asia’s economic dynamism and our region’s increasingly important role in driving global growth. 

Our participation in this pre-eminent leadership forum will also ensure that the Philippines continues to play an important role in promoting regional peace and security.